It is going to be a case of quality over quantity for Aldershot Town as Gary Waddock looks to work with a small squad again this season.

The Shots have retained the majority of last year's squad with the only significant departure being that of full-back Anthony Straker to Bath City, while Waddock has made two new signings in striker Shaun Okojie and winger Bobby-Joe Taylor.

But while the Shots boss admits he is hoping to add to his squad – with another full-back a priority – the Hampshire club will be running a tight ship as they look to once again compete with non-league's biggest teams at the top of the National League.

Striker Shaun Okojie is one of only two signings Aldershot Town have made so far this summer (Photo by Ian Morsman) (Image: UGCTMS)

And while other clubs might be wheeling and dealing, Waddock believes his best bit of work in the transfer market this summer was securing the majority of last year's squad for another season.

“We have retained everyone apart from Anthony Straker so we have a good base to work from this off-season compared to a year ago when we had to assemble an entire squad,” Waddock said.

“We wanted to keep the whole group together and we have only lost one so it gives us a better base to work from this time around because you can't keep dismantling groups because you'll be starting from the same level again year after year. We were fortunate to be able to keep hold of those players.

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“We are pleased with the group that we got so there is no need to change what we are doing. We did well last year with what we have got and we will hopefully be able to build on that and move forward in the future.

“I'm happy with what we have got. We could have a bigger squad but then you might not have the quality in the squad so we have decided to go with a small group. We did that last year and we will do similar this year.”

The loan signing of Kundai Benyu was a great success for Aldershot Town last season (Image: Aldershot News and Mail)

However the Shots boss isn't ruling out a signing or two and after the success of Kundai Benyu's loan move last campaign, Waddock admits he could opt for another similar deal in the coming season.

“There are areas of the team and the squad that we are looking at and we do need to add [players], that's for sure. But we have the bulk of the squad together,” Waddock said. “We have a number of options and we will just weigh those up as we move forward.

“We looked at loan signings last year and that worked well for us but I'm keeping my cards very close to my chest.

“We lost Strakes so that is an obvious area we are looking at and I have plenty in mind but at the moment we are just waiting to see what develops.”